Q1- Why does a democratic country need a Constitution?
ANS- A democratic country needs a Constitution because:
- It serves as an asset of rules and principles as the basis by which the country has to be governed.
- It defines the nature of a country’s political system.
- It lays out the important guidelines that govern decision making within various societies of the country.
- It lays down the ideals that form the basis of the kind of country that its citizens aspire to live in.
- It provides rules to safeguard the interests of less powerful people or groups.
- It lays down rules that guard against the misuse of power by any political leader.
Q3- What would happen if there were no restrictions on the power of elected representatives?
ANS- If there are no restrictions on the power of the elected representatives, the leaders might misuse the powers given to them.
Q4- In each of the following situations, identify the minority. Write one reason why you think it is important to respect the views of the minority in each of these situations.
(a) In a school with 30 teachers, 20 of them are male.
ANS- Female teachers are in minority. The female teachers must be allowed space to voice their opinion.
(b) In a city,5 percent of the population are Buddhists.
ANS-Buddhists’ are in minority. Every individual has the right to follow the religion of his/her choice. People of other faith must respect the religion other than their own.
(c) In a factory mess for all employees, 80 per cent are vegetarians.
ANS- Non-vegetarians are in minority. Food choice is a personal wish, so each individual should have the freedom to eat what he/she wants.
(d) In a class of 50 students, 40 belong to more well-off families.
ANS- Under privileged are in minority. Citizens cannot be discriminated on the basis of their birth so their views have to be respected.
Q5- The column on the left lists some of the key features of the Indian Constitution. In the other column write two sentences, in your own words, on why you think this feature is important:
1. Federalism: – A federal government allows the Centre to hold supreme power but its constituent states have some power as well so that the states can make decisions for their territories.
2. Separation of Powers:- According to the Constitution, the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary are the three separate powers.
3. Fundamental Rights:- They protect citizens against arbitrary and absolute use of power by the State. They protect minorities against misuse of power.
4. Parliamentary Form of Government:- It upholds universal adult franchise and the people of a country play a direct role in electing their representatives to run the state as well as the nation.